Investigators ask for public assistance in seeking missing Royal Lakes woman

The Telegraph

Published
6:25 pm CST, Friday, February 9, 2018

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Hedden

Hedden

Investigators ask for public assistance in seeking missing Royal Lakes woman

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Investigators urge the public, including those residing in outlying areas near Royal Lakes, to take notice of any clues possibly in connection with a woman missing since late January.

The Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis announced implore local residents traveling county and rural roadways to report anything unusual people may encounter or observe related to Denita M. Hedden, 37, of Royal Lakes. The request is made not only to those residing in the immediate vicinity of Royal Lakes, but also areas which may extend beyond perceived search boundaries, authorities said Friday.

“Even if first responders and search teams have been in your area please take a moment to check your surroundings,” authorities said in a written statement.

Earlier this week, information developed through interviews with friends, acquaintances and family shedding light on the investigation. Investigative findings have also allowed for a revision to the time line previously released.

On Jan. 25, Hedden is known to have visited a St. Louis metropolitan-area casino with a friend. According to interviews conducted by Major Case Squad detectives, Hedden arrived back in Royal Lakes later in the evening. Witness accounts reveal she was last observed leaving the 700 block of Catalpa, Royal Lakes at approximately 11 p.m that day.

Hedden is described as 5 feet tall and approximately 110 pounds. She was last observed wearing a maroon Nike hooded sweatshirt, blue jeans, brown boots and hoop earrings.

An extensive search covering portions of southern Madison County was conducted. First responders by way of land and air canvassed approximately 35 square miles, which included 22, 400 acres of rural terrain and 70 road miles. Property owners, farmers and residents are encouraged to inspect your property for anything unusual in the interest of finding Hedden, or clues which would explain her disappearance.

Th Major Case Squad of Greater St. Louis thanked the citizens of Macoupin County for their patience and support regarding law enforcement efforts.

As the Major Case Squad continues investigating, they encourage anyone with information about Hedden or her whereabouts to contact local police. Callers may choose to remain anonymous.